Candidate Bio: Molly Salafia (R) for Planning & Zoning

Molly Salafia (R) Planning & Zoning

Candidate Molly Salafia , Assoc. AIA, LEED GA (R) for Planning & Zoning

I am an architectural designer at a firm encompassing the professions of
architecture,engineering & planning.  My background includes work on projects with HUD /CHFA supportive and affordable housing, public schools, healthcare,  historic preservation, mixed use development, adaptive reuse, master planning, and commercial development of all sizes & varieties. I am looking forward to  completion of my professional exams to be a fully licensed architect.

I was born & raised in Middletown. I spent my summers in high school working at City Hall. I am proud to be a local homeowner living near our unique downtown. I am an active volunteer in Middletown working with Middletown Kiwanis & I support Catales as one of my favorite causes.

I am seeking election to my second term in the 2015. During my first term I was also selected by my colleagues because of my bipartisanship & leadership skills as vice chair of the commission, and served in the capacity as chair during the chairman's medical leave of absence.

If elected, I hope advocate for smart planning & work to encourage the development of a masterplan by professionals to develop the riverfront.
I will also first & foremost, work to make building in Middletown a streamlined & fair process that is attractive to developers in order to grow Middletown' s tax base.

Education

Roger Williams University, RI. Master of Architecture + BS Architecture, Dual Minor in Visual Arts and Art History

Member of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) at RWU 2005-2006,  Chapter President of AIAS 2005-2006

Represented AIAS during the 2006 National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) accreditation of Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture

Certifications, Honors and Awards

Alpha Rho Chi Medal Recipient

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate (GA) certified,

Service

P&Z Vice Chair
Member of the Design Review & Historic Design Review Board of the City of Middletown
Member Kiwanis of Middletown
RiverCOG Commission Alternate Member for Middletown 

More info on Middletown Republican candidates can be found at www.middletownctgop.com 

(Accepting ALL Candidate Bios! See format info here!) 

Candidate Bio: Ken McClellan (R) for Planning & Zoning

Ken McClellan (R) for Planning & Zoning

Ken McClellan (R) for Planning & Zoning

I am a 23 year resident of Middletown, Connecticut.  I moved here in 1992, after serving 11 years on active duty with the United States Army, during which I served as an Infantry Captain in Germany and Fort Lewis Washington.  I enlisted in the Army in after graduating from high school, serving 4 years, during which I earned the rank of Sergeant.  I left the service to attend Temple University in Philadelphia, studying in biology and computer science.  During my senior year, I was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and served as an Infantry Platoon Leader in the Pennsylvania National Guard.  Upon graduation, I entered active duty, again, and have served as an Infantry Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Personnel Officer, Operations 0fficer and Automation Management Officer.  On leaving active duty, I briefly ran my own business in computer consulting, and joined Johnson & Higgins, a commercial insurance broker, as a software support specialist.  I worked for Computer Systems Corporation, as a Computer System Administrator at Pratt & Whitney in Middletown and am currently employed as a Project Manager at Aetna.  I retired from the United States Army Reserve as Lieutenant Colonel, after serving as an advisor to the Iraqi Army, in the Multi-National Security and Transition Command.  I served on the Middletown High School Building Committee, working on the Technology subcommittee.  I hold a Master's Degree in Computer Information Technology at Central Connecticut State University.  I am currently serving as an Alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and served two years on the Inland Wetland Commission. My other activities include Vice-Commander of American Legion, Post 75, Middletown, past Committee Member and Merit Badge Counselor with Boy Scout Troop 10, and past Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 43 and Vice-Chairman of the Middletown Republican Town Committee.

I live in the Westfield section of Middletown, with my wife, Cheryl

My Issues

Planning and Zoning - update the Long Range Plan for development of the city of Middletown.

Update the Planning and Zoning code to eliminate inconsistencies, make it clearer, and easier to understand.

Work with the Common Council, Board of Education and city departements to develop a long-term plan for Middletown

Business: - I will work to encourage businesses to come to Middletown, to provide meaningful employment, to increase the tax base of the city, and to help lower property taxes.
More informatioon can be found on my facebook page: 
Ken McClellan -Planning & Zoning

More info on Middletown Republican candidates can be found at www.middletownctgop.com 

(Accepting ALL Candidate Bios! See format info here!) 

Candidate Bio: Angel Fernandez (R) for Planning & Zoning

Angel Fernandez (R) for Planning & Zoning

Candidate Bio Angel Fernandez (R) for Planning & Zoning:

I was born and raised in north end of Hartford and have been living in Middletown for the past 17 years.

I am married and have 3 sons. The oldest is currently serving in the Marine Corps. I was medically retired from the US Navy from injuries from the current war on terrorism after 16 years of service including reserve time.  My family stayed in Middletown while I was forward deployed in the Southwest Asia theater of Operation, since my wife's family lives here and the because of the educational system of the Middletown. I really enjoy the diversity and how the community works with each other. When I retired in 2007, I started consulting and that’s when I got involved with the Office of Emergency Management and George Dunn was the person who recruited me. At that moment I was in involved in fighting for benefits and treatment of Veterans. I was part of the Yellow Ribbon program for the Pennsylvania National Guard for almost two years until state funding ran out. I have been working directly with AMVETS as a National Warrior Transition Coordinator at a national level on the same issues and awareness for the veterans. As Deputy Director of the Office of Emergency Management, I have seen the inner workings of the city government and how budgets and other matters work. I feel more part of the community than ever since being deputy director of emergency management, because during the past few storms I got to interact with residents of Middletown and it feels wonderful when you see them either at grocery stores or church and they know you are there for them.

As the Deputy Director Of Emergency Management I run day to day operations and training of volunteer personnel, including the response to any emergency for the City of Middletown for any man-made or natural disaster. I work as a Logistical Officer with other state and federal agencies during a statewide declared state of emergency to include Middletown and surrounding communities.

I am an instructor for the US Navy Law Enforcement and Course Curriculum Developer and Anti-Terrorism for Mid-Atlantic region and Mediterranean Forces.

I have conducted research and development for the US Navy with Lockheed Martin and other government contract provider as a Subject matter Expert in Terrorism ideology and methods of operation.

I also own a small consulting firm employing military veterans.

I am and instructor of Firearms Safety and Range Officer, educating Law Enforcement and Civilians in firearms safety and develop stress induced training on how the body reacts to stress under certain extreme scenarios. l am called upon for my professional input from the Military and Law Enforcement on this subject.

I volunteer with the National Warrior Transition Coordinator AMVETS, working with Veterans from current and past wars in transitioning programs and workshops across the country.

Education
Middlesex Community College - Courses in Criminal Justice 
Central State of Connecticut - Courses in Public Safety Administration.
National Incident Command Management (FEMA) all Line officer courses for Emergency Management.
US Navy First Line Leadership Development Program.
US Navy Law Enforcement Certification.

More info on Middletown Republican candidates can be found at www.middletownctgop.com 

(Accepting ALL Candidate Bios! See format info here!) 

Candidate Bio: David Greaves (R) Planning & Zoning Alternate

David Greaves (R) for PZ Alternate

David Greave (R) P& Z Alternate

I currently work for the Town of Manchester CT as the Collector of Revenue.

I have been a resident of Middletown for close to 10 years now and have enjoyed the many groups, programs and opportunities that residents of Middletown have and present on an ongoing basis.

Over the last 9 years I've spent a great deal of time as a member and officer of a local fraternal organization working to help present a positive impact in our community.

During this time I've held a number of positions, including: Vice President, President and Trustee, as well as headed the monthly bulletin, Veteran Committee, and Soccer Shoot, I also served on the National Veterans Service Commission, and as the         Central District - District Deputy. 

I have also chaired and assisted in several events for including:
 Annual children events, Annual Charity events to raise money for the CT Children’s Hospital, Annual Children’s Halloween Party for the Middlesex County Community, and many different motorcycle runs.

One thing that I can say about Middletown is that all their private and fraternal organizations care about their community and I have been proud to be a part of making Middletown a better place to live.

More info on Middletown Republican candidates can be found at www.middletownctgop.com 

(Accepting ALL Candidate Bios! See format info here!) 

Connection Inc. Proposes Housing Development on Stack Street

The Connection Inc. is proposing a 20+ unit development at 27 Stack Street. The project goes before Deisgn Review & Historic Preservation Review tomorrow at 6 pm Sept. 9, 2015 for site plan review. http://www.theconnectioninc.org/

Rumblings! Strike a Pose!

1. Who was absent from the most important council meeting of the year, the one where the city budget is explained? Treasurer Quentin Phipps! Why should the city's chief financial leader show up to only 1 meeting a year? $4,800 stipend to be City Treasurer of Middletown while living & working the the Bronx, not too shabby!  But Que made it back to Mtown to strike a pose front & center in the St. Sebastian Feast Parade!

2. How many times can Mayor Drew pat himself on the back at the budget hearing?  And how many times can he thank the public for coming to watch his spectacle? How many times can he thank the public for giving him the privilege of having a public forum in which to pat himself on the back? Well, you get the idea.

3. Knock knock. Who's there? Its just Mayor Drew patting himself on the back again. 

4. The audits in and Sodexo is costing taxpayers way more than inside services would. BOE  member Linda Syzinkowicz told us so over a year ago btw.

5. Councilman Grady Faulkner, on behalf of the NAACP believes no African American police officer should ever be allowed to exercise free will and leave the force to take another job, perhaps even a better one, outside of Middletown ever. Huh? He said so at the Councils budget meetings.

6. The recently passed budget increases spending by $5 million, gives each Council member a raise of $1,200 and makes the mayor's salary to $90k but it managed to cut taxes slightly. So what's missing? Can you say appropriations?

7.  The Democrats on Planning & Zoning were too cheap to request money be spent on a master plan for the riverfront because they all are planning experts and feel they are more than qualified to do it themselves. In the first sign of the Apocalypse a red heifer was born yesterday and Democrats exist who are against spending money. Luckily, the floating zone idea was recently flushed by the R's like the floater it was.

8. Rumor has it trustfund shoe fortune heir Wesleyan Grad & former National College Dem leader Ben Florsheim will be part of the D's p&z ticket. Will he put his money where his mouth is & bring jobs and have his family open a flagship shoe store in Middletown? 

9. Democrats want to appoint Lisa Santangelo Registrar. That's impartial right? Having the elected Town Committee Chair running elections?

10. Councilwoman Kasper got a break on her property taxes because she says her house is haunted. We wish we had made this up. Call Board of Ass.Apps. member Sal Micchula  if you think we're kidding.

11. Next Law & Order SUV Piddletown: A liberal elitist college jock sues his female assault victim for slander after his conviction.  Mariska Hargitay as Sgt. Olivia Benson & Charlie Sheen's exoskeleton as his wealthy CEO of a nonprofit health center father who just wants to clear up the misunderstanding with a little green. Guest starring convicted Dr. Tory Westbrook from the CHC as "Dr.McFeely."

12. Ed4Ed gets to hold a meeting in the high school auditorium to rally parents to reasons  as to why the BOE should pass the budget. Who pays for the janitor & police overtime? Not Ed4Ed that's for sure. If a GOP board member wanted to hold a public meeting at the same venue to discuss reasons not to pass the BOE budget with parents, who do you think would pay if even such a notion were even to be allowed? Its Ed4Ed campaign 2.0. Its an election year after all people! For the kids!!

13. Screw ups pay. Name that city employee who hired an individual for an unfunded position and is down for $10k+ bump in salary in the newly passed budget.

14. Inland Wetlands is illegal as far as party affiliation of membership which means all decisions are illegal. So nows the time to fill in that big swampy area while its open season.

15. I got 90 problems and they are all grievances by city employees. I thought we were ending lawsuits?

15 1/2 .Problems? What's going on with NEAT?

16. Suddenly Ed4Ed and Dr. P Charles are traffic engineers and have redesigned the road in front of Farm Hill School. The idea was wrapped in last years $1.8 million road bond referendum.  Never an issue suddenly is a crisis.  For years buses approached on the side of the school but because Public Works Director & Serra Cousin Bill Russo needs to flex his muscle, a plan that worked forever is getting tossed for a crazy concept infringing on private property. Quick: Suspend logic and start beating the "it's for the kids drums"!! What's it based on? The Complete Streets cut & paste manifesto lead by John Hall.

17. God bless Councilman Bauer & the R's for asking for an amendment to keep a rumored  specially created position for the good Reverend/Arm Chair Biologist/Jonah Bologna Center Dude/Wife Killer Defender John Hall  out of the budget before it was passed.

18. Speaking of God, Mayor Drew ended the practice of honoring National Prayer Day at City Hall, but couldn't even admit he caved to pressure from leftist progressive constituents. Instead, Drew  made participating clergy scape goats claiming they wouldn't allow other denominations. Funny, all other years the event was non denominational for multi faiths. And a month later, he marched  with clergy at the St. Sebastian Feast parade with Quetin, an event attended by hundreds of city faithful. Guess your belief in a secular society only matters to you when the event won't be widely photographed enough for your liking.

19. Just in time for Memorial Day: Bet you didn't know Mayor Drew gave the temp buildings housing the Veterans Museum the boot from the Eckersley Hall lot. Charming way to treat folks who fought for freedom ! Drew banished the veterans to a glorified cardboard box by modular building co. Mod Space ( follow the campaign $) at Vets Park. Thankfully the vets objected and are funding their own real ground up building with real walls, glass windows. and um insulation fancy that.  Also off the table is the dog park at Vets Park. Good job vets for finally getting the message across to Mayor Drew that excrement doesn't mix with a memories of heros'. Keep that sh*t confined to City Hall. And God Bless our veterans.

Letter to the Editor: Keep PZ Commission in the Loop

The below letter was sent to the Mayor and Council Majority Leader by Molly Salafia, Acting Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission. 

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To the Editor:

Once again I am reading something in the papers that should have at least been told to the Planning & Zoning Commission prior. I am referring to the Aug. 18 workshop for downtown planning and to discuss parking garage considerations (“City workshop to examine future downtown development in Middletown”).

Commissioners Pelletier and Russo are our council liaisons and I am unaware if this was discussed with either. Unfortunately, there is a month gap between meetings right now, so they could not have reported back. In Commissioner Russo’s absence, as acting chair, I should be briefed.

While I realize city property is treated differently than private and essentially approved by the council, etc. via GS-24 status, it is imperative that the PZ Commission be aware of the goings on of city planning.

We are currently planning workshops to discuss riverfront zoning; the garage and such other major components need to be apart of this plan. Our committees should not be acting in vacuums.

Has the Design Review committee been asked to attend? Surely, after the lighting of the tunnel to the riverfront, the results of which have been criticized, that group also would be a valuable tool in discussion the physical characteristics of a parking garage.

As acting chair, I am dedicating the last 15 to 30 minutes of commission affairs with outlined discussion for future planning. In adherence to the city charter, the commission should be spending half the time planning and half zoning.

We are planning to hold a public workshop as well once we have narrowed down discussion points. A subsequent workshop will effect our timeline.

I have outlined items to be included in the outgoing PZ packet to commissioners for our Aug. 11 meeting. It has not been sent yet; so there is still time for the council to put together backup information — any schematic plans so far by Centerplan, Aug. 18 workshop agenda, etc. to be added to this mailing. It is much appreciated.

The mayor, majority leader, respective departments, parking department council liaisons, anyone, please email, call or come to a public meeting and let us know about projects that will affect city planning.

We need to work together in the initial planning stages. Listening to a live council meeting, reading meeting minutes after the fact, or a newspaper article is not acting as a team. Please keep us in the loop in the future.

Molly Salafia

Acting chair Middletown Planning and Zoning

Letter to the Editor: Council Should Delay $15K Appropriation for Riverfront Recreation Items

Tonight at the Common Council meeting (7PM, City Hall),  will vote on an appropriation of $15,000 by the Planning Department. Funds would be from the Economic Development Fund to  purchase recreational items for immediately improving the Waterfront for the public, as suggested by Project For Public Spaces  the firm hired by the city to craft the Riverfront Redevelopment Commission report. PPS suggests in it's report "lighter quicker cheaper" ideas to fix existing picnic tables, add lighting at tunnel under the highway, buy portable playgrounds, purchase cheap plastic Adirondack chairs, purchase trash cans like the Fat Belly automated solar powered cans on Main Street, and buy LED  Christmas tree lights. The Common Council will also be voting on the adoption of this report this evening.
The following Letter to the Editor regarding this agenda item was submitted by Molly Salafia.
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Dear Councilmembers,

I noticed on tonight's Council agenda is $15K allotted for the "lighter quicker cheaper" amenities for Harbor Park. Although 15k dwarfs other appropriations by many thousands, need I remind the council the average income per family in Middletown is $50k according to the last census. The $15K should be treated as delicately as if were a six figure appropriation, seeing many families struggle in the wake of an unstable economy and this administration's increased local taxes.

I ask specifically what this appropriation will be used for- plastic furniture shown in the presentation by the firm Project for Public Spaces would not work well in Middletown. If granted, the public's money should be used for amenities that will last multiple seasons & events, and can be utilized by park goers with out  monitoring by public safety. The pipe rails & wood benches at Harbor Park are already in place, however, appear to need maintenance. Before more money is spent on more "things", why not restore what is already in place? More "things" also means more storage required. A budget for amenities such as this can be funded through dockage fees which the City does not currently charge for but should. Another question- shouldn't routine maintenance to Harbor Park already be budgeted for?

Unaddressed by Public Spaces were events already taking place annually at Harbor Park such as the Regatta, a gospel music weekend, yoga, and a variety of other events by local groups. While some of these events have a large turn out, others do not. The City should find out why. Perhaps before purchasing for unspecified events, someone should address attendance to current activities and find out what can be done to make the most of these scheduled activities. That in my eyes is the essence of "lighter faster cheaper."

The public bathrooms at Harbor Park are perpetually locked, with the exception of the Fourth of July. Before the City purchases public "toys" to make the riverfront friendlier, why not make the riverfront friendlier with finding a way to have usable bathrooms? Let's solve current issues before new ones are invented.

Lastly, as acting chair of P&Z, it has come to my attention that we are awaiting a hearing with representatives from the DOT to discuss improvements the ramp at Exit 17 by Harbor Park which has burdened Middletown for nearly two decades as a death trap. Until the presentation, we are unsure of the impact & timeline of these improvements. Common sense tells me that construction would be noisy and possibly make Harbor Park unpleasant for leisurely activities for a time; therefore; until such timeline for DOT improvements is put in place, personally, I would encourage the council to delay appropriations for temporary leisure based improvements to the park.

Sincerely, Molly Salafia
Vice Chair Planning & Zoning

Short Stories By The Insider

BANG BANG WE SHOT YOU DOWN! BANG BANG WE OWN THIS TOWN.

WE ARE THE DEMOCRATS!

We have never seen a more despicable show of bipartisanship until last night’s broadcast of the common council meeting.

It was in one ear and out the other. Steve Devoto  gave one of the most bipartisan speech’s ever , citizens of Middletown spoke of who they what like to represent them ( Beth Emery) , and the republicans spoke on who they would like to represent ( Vincent) ) them as a minority and guess what, Dan Russo and Phil Pessina  were seated.

The saga continues. 

WE GOT THE POWER!

Again behind closed doors the decisions were made the hierarchy. Here is how it went. A certain councilman (no names needed) with the mayor schemed again to make sure they have seated representatives on common council and now Planning and Zoning to push their agenda and keep them in control.

The councilman said to the mayor we out number them and our puppets will vote the way we want. We have to seat Dan and Phil. Don’t forget, then they owe us big time. Then the mayor says, but we will lose the village district voters. Councilman says no we won’t they always vote for us. We will throw them a bone later. Don’t worry Mayor, we have all the other low information voters in Middletown anyway. Don’t forget we have a D in front of names. Shrew, thanks I was getting worried for a minute.

WHEN WILL MIDDLETOWN WAKE UP!

Stay tuned.

TO BE CONTINUED !

Middletown Planning Dept. CDBG Performance Survey

 

The City of Middletown and the Citizens’ Advisory Committee would like to invite the public to complete a brief 8 question survey to help evaluate the results of the 2012-2013 Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) in Middletown. The results of the survey will help the City determine how the program is operating and what changes may need to be implemented.

 

During the 2012-2013 grant year, the City expended $447,230.15 to address three priorities outlined in Middletown’s 5 Year plan for CDBG funding. The three priorities are jobs, livable neighborhoods, and creating access to services and programs for all.

 

The Survey can be found at: http://www.middletownplanning.com/Committees/CAC/2012_CAPER_Survey.html

 

For more information, contact Michiel Wackers at michiel.wackers@middletownct.gov.

 

 

Michiel Wackers, AICP
Deputy Director of Planning, Conservation and Development
City of Middletown

tel. 860-638-4840
fax. 860-638-1940

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=461833

www.middletownplanning.com

 

Short Stories By The Insider

 Preface: After Common Council elect Carl Chisem refuses to relinquish his seat on Planning & Zoning at this week's meeting, the meeting adjourns after only 20 minutes. A power play by veteran Democrats stop a bi-partisan slate of officers lead by top 

vote-getter Stephen Devoto (D) as chair, or a simple "misunderstanding"?

Read the full scoop from Cassandra Day Editor of the Patch here: 

My God!  

Not even a week into the new administration and there is a story line already.

Behind closed doors the wheels started turning. The democrats where sweating and nervous about what the next step will be and who will be chairman of the planning and zoning commission.  Quick let’s call on our senior advisers (no need to mention names) and caucus they will come to the rescue. We can’t let Steve Devoto win the chairman position and we definitely can let Beth Emery be appointed as a seated commissioner. They are to smart and we will never get anything done. The republicans are just a bunch of dopes; we don’t have to worry about them. We have to make sure that Richard Pelletier is chairman he does what he’s told. Steve and Beth will be a torn in the butt. What do we say to Larry?

SO LETS SEND CARL CHISEM IN THERE! I was doing my duty he said. Yeah for his party. (This was no mistake)

It worked. The meeting was a debacle.

WILL MIDDLETOWN WAKE UP!

TO BE CONTINUED! 

Design Review Board to Focus on Design Criteria & Downtown Next Meeting

 Next meeting of the Design Review & Historic Preservation Committee is scheduled for November 13th at 6 pm. at City Hall. DRHP meets monthly, the last meeting was held in July. The meeting is open to the public and those interested are welcome to attend and speak. Below is the agenda found on the City of Middletown website.

City of Middletown

Design Review & Preservation Board 

Agenda

 

• Minutes

• Public Comment for Items on the Agenda

• Old Business

• New Business

1. Washington  Street- Athenian Diner Signage             
2. Historic Inventory Discussion
3. Downtown Village District Discussion
4. Signage Zoning Code Regulation Discussion

• Other

• Public Comment for Items not on the Agenda

• Adjourn

Candidate Bio: Jon Pulino (R) for Board of Assessment Appeals

Middletown Insider blog is accepting bios from all  municipal candidates. 
See criteria: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/08/request-for-candidate-bios-for-all.html
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Republican Candidate for Board of Assessment Appeals

Jon Pulino

Mr. Pulino has served one term on the Middletown Board of Assessment Appeals and currently sits on the town's Zoning Board of Appeals committee as well as Chairperson the Cable Advisory Board.  

Occupation: Currently teachers English Literature at Maloney High School in Meriden, Connecticut where besides teaching five daily classes, he has been elected building representative for the Meriden Federatrion of Teachers four years in a row.  Mr. Pulino holds the following educational credentials: English certification state of Connecticut (015); Certified Media Specialist (062); Educational Leadership Certification/6th year degree (Graduated Summer 2013). Besides teaching full time in Meriden, Mr. Pulino has worked for the Wesleyan Upward Bound Program in Middletown and the New Britian Rock Cats organization, a double AA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.  Currently Mr. Pulino has been appointed to the school's Odysseyware task force, a program that enables the students to make up high school credits on-line, while staying in school.  Mr. Pulino has also been a member of a NEASC site visit in 2011 and currently serves at the pleasure of principal on Maloney's follow up NEASC committee within in the Maloney building.

Education- Mr. Pulino holds a Bachelors of Science in Communication and Bachelors of Arts Degree in English from Eastern Connecticut State University (1994/1995). He also holds a Masters in Educational Technology from Central Connecticut State University (2007) as well as 30 credits past his Masters.  His earlier education includes earning an Associate Degree from Middlesex Community College in 1992 and a member of Xavier High School's class of 1989.

Political Offices Held: Chairperson of the Middlesex Cable Advisory Board (2009-Present); Zoning Board of Appeals (2009-Present), and worked on the (elected) Board or Assessment Appeals for the 2007-2009 term.

Civic Organizations: Italian American Civic Organization (2005-Present); Washington Lodge No. 70 Windsor, and American Federation of Teachers.

Volunteer: Comcast Cable - Host of “The Edge”: a political satire program that deals with local political issues since 1998 and co-host of “The Variety Hour” with Billy Wilson since 2007. Mr. Pulino has also coached track for 4 years at Maloney High School while working on student started clubs such as the Comic Book Club.

http://www.middletownctgop.com/

Candidate Bio: Robert Blanchard Planning & Zoning (D)

Middletown Insider blog is accepting bios from all  municipal candidates. See criteria: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/08/request-for-candidate-bios-for-all.html

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Candidate Robert Blanchard for Planning & Zoning (D) 

 

Full name: Robert S. Blanchard, 25
Education: B.A. Syracuse University
Work: Executive Aide, Office of the Attorney General
Why do you want to hold public office in Middletown? Public service is an important part of who I am. Growing up, my parents always pressed service to your community (not necessarily through politics), upon my sister and me. Whether it came through coaching athletics, involvement in the local church or assisting with children’s camps and afterschool programs, I was always taught to give back any way that you could. I would be truly honored to serve the people of Middletown.

What experience do you bring to the table? 

My first job in high school was at a small, local business. It was a great experience, and I saw first-hand how involved the small business owners were in our community. Small business growth and development is critical to balancing our tax base and easing the strain off on Middletown residents, and local land-use matters have a direct impact on the ability of small business to grow and thrive.
I’ve dedicated my career to public service. For me, the rewarding part of my experience in public service involves interacting with constituents and trying to work within the laws, programs and regulations of the state/city to help those who may be seeking assistance or simply looking for someone to listen and then guide them in the right direction. I will bring this same accessibility and level of constituent service and energy to the people of Middletown if elected.  
What do you think the town’s most pressing issues are?
I’ve spent a great deal of time during this campaign speaking directly to the people of Middletown, learning what matter most to them and how they would like to see our community grow. When I talk to voters, much of what we discuss revolves around these three critical issues:

·      Continuing to diversify and revitalize our downtown.

·      Thorough and smart planning for our riverfront.

·      Ensuring that we are not developing for the sake of developing and instead working with what we have, rather than spending what we do not.

These three issues can have a significant and positive impact on the quality of life for residents in town.
We have done an excellent job at revitalizing our downtown. If you stroll down Main Street on a weekend night, our restaurants are thriving with folks from in and out of town. However, years ago that same street was full of families doing more than just dining.
Middletown was once home to department stores such as Bunce’s and Woolworth’s and was THE local place to shop. Now, we have let the malls in Meriden and Farmington take those nights and dollars away from us. We need attract more, diverse businesses and retail establishments to Main Street in order to help create jobs for local residents and grow our local economy.
Our riverfront represents one of the next big projects in Middletown. It is a beautiful area and very attractive for tourism. We can look at ways in which other communities have balanced economic growth with cultural opportunity. The two things that we need to keep in mind are making sure that the riverfront projects are financially sustainable and built on longevity. A thriving project that brings in new residents and creates a space for entertainment along the river would help support and compliment local businesses along Main Street and bring the city together for community events.
Lastly, as a community moving into the future, Middletown needs to be careful and strategic about how and where we develop. Middletown is lucky enough to have beautiful parks and open green space intertwined throughout its urban communities. We must ensure that we protect those.
We do not need to disturb the beauty of this quintessential New England town. Not only can we not afford to do it economically but also we cannot afford to do it environmentally. We need to continue work to fill the vacancies downtown and elsewhere as well as finding ways to reuse older manufacturing facilities. What was done with the Remington Rand factory is an excellent model for what we can do with other factories in town. Blighted or neglected areas can offer unique opportunities for remediation and redevelopment.
What do you love most above Middletown? 
What I love most about Middletown is how diverse the entire city is, yet it still has a tight-knit small-city neighborhood feel to it. It’s largely the reason I chose to make Middletown my new home.

What do you like to do for fun? 

I enjoy taking my rambunctious rescue dog, Winslow, to Veterans Memorial Park for some outdoor exercise. As a Philadelphia native, I also love to go to Neon Deli for the best Philly cheesesteak in Middletown (and all of Connecticut!). I try to get some exercise of my own by playing basketball at Moody Elementary School. I also enjoy kicking off Saturday mornings at Ford News Diner or O’Rourke’s.
How can resident keep up with you?
Middletown residents can always reach me on my cell phone, (860) 538-5425, or through email, robertspblanchard@gmail.com. If elected, I intend to be responsive and accessible to all residents in town.

Candidate Bios:Meet Team of GOP Planning & Zoning Candidates Clark, Simpson, & Szynkowicz

Middletown Insider blog is accepting bios from all  municipal candidates. 

See criteria: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/08/request-for-candidate-bios-for-all.html
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Middletown Republicans Jeremy Clark, Rob Simpson and Vin Szynkowicz are running for the Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 5.  The GOP is on Row A.

www.middletownctgop.com

Jeremy Clark

Education: Middletown Public Schools, Riverside Academy (Grades 3-5)
Held leadership positions and participated in various activities while attending Middletown High School including Wesleyan University Upward Bound, Cross Country, Future Farmers of America and Wrestling
University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2010, Natural Resources; Bachelor of Science
Activities: Forest management on UConn Forest, UConn Timber Team
Following education, I was employed by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection as a durational forester managing state forest lands until April 2013.
I currently assist landowners throughout Connecticut with land/forest management planning and provide technical services as a licensed forester.  I am dedicated to promoting wise forest stewardship and conservation of open space for our future descendants to enjoy and benefit from.
I would be honored to serve the City of Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission with my skills and knowledge related to natural resource planning, while gaining experience in local government and town planning.
Professional Associations: Society of American Foresters, Connecticut Forest & Park Association

Rob Simpson

He is a recent Middletown resident, but a lifelong citizen of Connecticut, looking forward to serving as an advocate on behalf of issues that concern our residents, and help foster pro-growth and pro-employment conditions for Middletown.

Rob graduated from Shelton High School in 2004 in the top 5 percent of his class. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. Rob graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2008 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Political Science. During college, he interned for the House Republicans and worked as a consultant with the House Republican Campaign Committee in 2008 and 2012.
Rob works as a Legislative Aide for the House Republicans in the Connecticut General Assembly in Hartford. His previous employment has been on political campaigns on the local, state and federal level, specializing in grassroots activities and organization.

Vin Szynkowicz

Szynkowicz is in his 31st year as an elevator mechanic and a proud member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 91 and currently Chairman of our Executive Board.
As a member of Planning & Zoning, I will work toward the development of the City of Middletown, specifically to develop the Riverfront area as a showpiece and gathering place for all in our community to enjoy. I will work to bring new business to our city to provide jobs and increase our tax base.
Wife: Linda J. Szynkowicz, children: Nicole Cowie and Paul Szynkowicz

Court Again Rules in Favor of City in Proto vs Planning & Zoning Commission Lawsuit

Proto vs. Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission matter is currently pending in Middlesex Superior Court.  Yesterday, the court granted the City Attorney's request to revise the plaintiff’s complaint and overruled the plaintiff’s objection .  As a result of the judge's orders, the plaintiff will have to file a revised complaint taking out the allegations that were outside the record. The judge ruled earlier these allegations against the Commission be removed, but they plaintiff filed a recent complaint in attempt to subvert the judge's ruling an attempted to re-enter the allegations into the record.

Read more about the lawsuit in a previous post: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/04/citizens-sue-p-commission-over-mx-zone.html 

Amended Complaint: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1OYjxtLEgUwZkxTSWxRSFJXMFE/edit?usp=sharing 

Ruling:  https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1OYjxtLEgUwS3F4VkxDZGhsa0U/edit?usp=sharing

Candidate Bio: Molly Salafia (R) Treasurer

Middletown Insider blog is accepting bios from all  municipal candidates. 
See criteria: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/08/request-for-candidate-bios-for-all.html
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Republican  Candidate for City Treasurer
  Molly Salafia (R)
"On a Mission to De-fund the Position"

From the Patch article by Cassandra Day: "A Republican member of the city's planning and zoning board is running for city treasurer with the intention of eliminating the position she calls a "superfluous figurehead" — one that's been held by Democrats for nearly two decades.

Molly Salafia, 29, an architectural designer and project manager, says the Middletown treasurer position "has become a political patronage prize with a bill to taxpayers of $8,600 plus for two years of playing a role with little actual impact on how public money — their money — is spent."
An $8,000 stipend she says, 'Is kind of ridiculous."

Years ago, the treasurer had many more duties which have since been eliminated by Middletown's common council, Salafia says.

"The treasurer attends a handful of meetings a year, and has a rubber stamp of his or her signature the finance department uses on checks, but that is all," Salafia says. "The treasurer does not draft a budget, nor does he or she sit down shoulder to shoulder with the directors and mayor and crunch numbers. This role is one that the taxpayers are already paying the finance department to do."

The state of Connecticut statutes requires municipalities to have a treasurer, Salafia acknowledges, so the elimination of the treasurer's position would require a change in Middletown's charter, something she's willing to work on if elected.
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 Background

I am  an Architectural Designer Project Manager & Lead Office Technologist

 at an architectural firm in New Haven. I have a background in media relations consulting. 

I am a owner of an historic home in Middletown. I enjoy art and photography.

       Education

Roger Williams University, RI. Masters of Architecture + BS Architecture,

 Dual Minor in Visual Arts and Art History

Member of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) 

at RWU 2005-2006,  Chapter President of AIAS 2005-2006

Represented AIAS during the 2006 National Council of Architectural 

Registration Boards (NCARB) accreditation of Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture

         Certifications, Honors and Awards

Alpha Rho Chi Medal Recipient

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate (GA) certified.

Currently taking exams towards becoming a licensed Architect

     Service & Offices

Member of the Historic Design Review Board of the City of Middletown

Commissioner on the Planning & Zoning board of Middletown. 

 Alternate Middletown Representative on River COG
Member Kiwanis of Middletown

www.middletownctgop.com